Mitsubishi GT2708-VTBA 8.4-inch TFT Color Touch Display
Product Overview
The Mitsubishi GT2708-VTBA is a graphic operation terminal from the GT2700 series, a predecessor to the widely used GOT2000 family. It features an 8.4-inch TFT color LCD with touch screen, providing a compact yet highly visible operator interface for industrial machinery. The GT2700 series is designed for seamless communication with Mitsubishi PLCs (MELSEC Q, L, FX series) and supports serial (RS-232/422/485) and Ethernet (VTBD models) connectivity.
Key Specifications (GT2708-VTBA)
Model: GT2708-VTBA (also available as GT2708-VTBD – with Ethernet, GT2708-STBA – monochrome, GT2708-STBD – monochrome with Ethernet)
Display Size: 8.4 inches diagonal
Display Type: TFT color LCD, 640 × 480 pixels (VGA)
Touch Panel: Resistive analog (pressure sensitive)
Colors: 256 (from 32768 palette)
Backlight: CCFL (replaceable), 50,000 hours lifetime
Memory (user storage): 6 MB Flash – for project data, fonts, images
Interfaces: RS-232 (programming, host), RS-422 (to MELSEC PLC), optional Ethernet (VTBD models)
Power Supply: 24 VDC (10.8W typical)
Enclosure Rating: Front panel IP65, back IP20
Mounting: Panel cutout 224 × 173 mm (8.82" × 6.81")
Graphic and User Interface Capabilities
The GT2708 series provides a high-resolution 640×480 VGA display, allowing detailed machine diagrams, trend graphs, and multi-language text. The resistive touch screen responds to finger or stylus input, even with gloves. The unit supports over 1000 alarm messages, 16 historical trend displays, and recipe data storage. Users can also embed bitmaps and vector graphics for intuitive machine representation.
PLC Connectivity and Protocol Support
The GT2708-VTBA directly connects to Mitsubishi MELSEC PLCs via the built-in RS-422 port (for Q/FX series) using the proprietary MELSEC protocol. For third-party PLCs, the RS-232 port can be configured for Modbus RTU or general purpose ASCII. The VTBD variant adds a 10BASE-T Ethernet port, allowing connection to multiple PLCs or integration with SCADA systems via TCP/IP.
Software and Project Transfer
Screen designs are created using Mitsubishi’s GT Designer2 (or GT Works2). Projects are downloaded via RS-232, Ethernet (VTBD), or a USB memory stick (when using a CF card adapter). The software includes a library of standard objects (push buttons, numeric inputs, lamps, meters) and supports script functions for complex math and data manipulation.
Applications
Machine tool operator panels (lathes, mills, EDMs)
Packaging machinery (filling, sealing, labeling)
Plastic injection molding machine HMIs
Assembly line monitoring stations
Replacement and Compatibility
The GT2700 series has been superseded by the GOT2000 series (e.g., GT2710, GT2510). However, the GT2708-VTBA remains in service on many legacy machines. Replacement units and repair services are available from specialized distributors. When upgrading, screen projects may require conversion via GT Designer3 (GOT2000 compatible).
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi GT2708-VTBA touch display delivers reliable and clear HMI functionality for a wide range of industrial machines. Its robust design, direct PLC connectivity, and versatile serial/network options make it a solid choice for operators and integrators maintaining legacy systems.
